Tempting (Inked Hearts 1)

But I'm not going to be the weird girl who doesn't drink either.

"Jack and diet," I say.

"A girl after my own heart." Walker winks. He brings me to the counter/bar, pours a generous cocktail for me and a straight whiskey for himself. "You're starting school soon, yeah?"

"Two weeks."

He looks to the party—Dean, Emma, and Ryan are in some triangle of teasing. Ryan is actually laughing. Weird.

"Where's Brendon?" I take a sip of my drink. Not bad. Like a richer version of soda. One that destroys my inhibitions. Gets me saying all the things I need to keep secret.

"Something about mind your own business." Walker laughs. "I think he's making something for you."

"Yeah?" My voice jumps two octaves.

"The glimpse I caught looked fucking amazing."

"You're not gonna give me a hint?"

He shakes his head. "More fun this way."

"Cruel."

"Maybe."

"How was the meeting? Was he excited."

"Yeah. Well, for Brendon. You know him. Deadpan."

"And you?"

"Hey, I'm charming. He's—"

"He's charming."

"Well, yeah." He looks me in the eyes. "You tend to find people charming when you're into them."

"What?"

"Everybody knows."

"Who's everybody?"

He motions to the room.

"Not Em."

"Maybe." He plants his hands on the counter behind us. "But everybody else."

"It's just... I, um..." God, it's hard to talk. Or think. "Don't say anything."

He brings his fingers to his mouth and pulls an invisible zipper. My lips are sealed.

I bury my nose in my drink. The booze only makes my cheeks warmer. It only makes my throat drier.

Everyone knows?

As in everyone talks about it.